Hello,

This is the first writing of the 2016 growing season. There is plenty of corn up and the planters are rolling on the rest of the acres. Area farmers are in the process of planting milo as well. L. G. Raun started planting rice on February 29th in the Round Mott and Sandy Creek area. William “Bo” Garrett has planted a field on FM 441 north of Hillje. There are several reports of rice planting east of Houston and in Matagorda County. More rice will be planted in the next few days in anticipation of the rains next week.

Listed below are diesel prices and the price on 46% and 21-7-14-9s for comparison of last year and this year. As you can see the prices have dropped quite a bit.

Fuel Prices: Dyed Diesel; March 4, 2015: $2.21/gal, March 4, 2016: $1.30/gal.

Fertilizer: 46%; March 2015: $444.36/ton, March 2016: $360.36/ton

21-7-14-9s; March 2015: $459.36/ton, March 2016: $359.36/ton

Farming is a major part of the cycle of life. The farmer plants the seed to start that cycle. He nourishes the seed as it emerges and protects it as the plant matures. He worries over the plant during its entire life. If he is blessed by God the farmer will benefit from his hard work and harvest his crop and end the cycle of life of the seed.

Last week, Rice Farmers Coop experienced the true cycle of life. On February 23, we lost a true coop friend, member, and loyal customer with the passing of William “Bill” Buchanek. Bill or “Wild Bill” as some of us called him was a fixture in the coffee room at the coop. He was the unofficial Chairman of the Board of the coffee drinkers. He held his own in any discussion on any subject. His sense of humor was enjoyed by all. He is missed by his fellow coffee drinkers and friends at the coop.

I arrived at his funeral services early on Saturday, February 27 at the Christ Lutheran Church. This gave me time to reminisce about the relationship I have enjoyed with Bill over the past four decades. The bobtail trucks that he maneuvered up the steep driveway at the dryer in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He then graduated to Mack trucks with flatbed trailers that made that entering the North Plant dryer more of a challenge. After we tore down the old office and warehouse the challenge was gone. He would rather unload at the North Plant over the South Plant because he could sit in the coffee room and visit with his buddies or whoever would drop by. He never met a stranger.

As the church filled that Saturday afternoon, many long time Rice Farmers Coop members arrived to pay their respect to Bill and his family. These men and Bill have made the coop what it is today. J. J. Hill, Jr., M. C. Swanson, Edward Smith, John Paul Appling, and Delbur Swanson who were directors of the coop at the time I was named manager in 1984 were there to say goodbye to a true coop friend. The church was filled with current and past members of the coop, all who have the same love of rice farming as Bill. The service was a true celebration of the life of Bill. His love for his wife, Buelah, daughter, Deanne, son and partner, David, granddaughters, and his extended family and friends were evident in his daily life.

These two Bible verses were read at Bill’s service:

Ecclesiastes 2:24

There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God;

Psalm 96: 11-12

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

That same week on February 24, the cycle of life of Rice Farmers Coop continued. God blessed current director, William “Bo” and Stephanie Garrett with a son, William Boyd Garrett, Jr. He is the great grandson of J. J. Hill, Jr. and the grandson of Jim Garrett and Steven Goestch all members of Rice Farmers Coop. Several days ago I asked Bo if William was driving a tractor yet. He responded “not yet but he better hurry”. The cycle of life continues.

How blessed we are.

As we start this planting season, Rice Farmers Coop wishes you a safe and prosperous season. Remember life is short. Take time to enjoy your family and friends like Bill did in his life with us. Hug your family and tell them that you love them every chance you get.